Information Communication Technology Tools Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence, Discretion, and Bureaucracy

This essay highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance and society and explores the relationship between AI, discretion, and bureaucracy. AI is an advanced information communication technology tool (ICT) that changes both the nature of human discretion within a bureaucracy and the structure of bureaucracies. To better understand this relationship, AI, discretion, and bureaucracy are explored in some detail. It is argued that discretion and decision-making are strongly influenced by intelligence, and that improvements in intelligence, such as those that can be found within the field of AI, can help improve the overall quality of administration. Furthermore, the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of both human discretion and AI are explored. Once these characteristics are laid out, a further exploration of the role AI may play in bureaucracies and bureaucratic structure is presented, followed by a specific focus on systems-level bureaucracies. In addition, it is argued that task distribution and task characteristics play a large role, along with the organizational and legal context, in whether a task favors human discretion or the use of AI. Complexity and uncertainty are presented as the major defining characteristics for categorizing tasks. Finally, a discussion is provided about the important cautions and concerns of utilizing AI in governance, in particular, with respect to existential risk and administrative evil.

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Effectiveness of mKRISHI® Personalised Advisory on Water and Soil (PAWS) in dissemination of agricultural information in north-western Himalayan region

The effectiveness of an extension system referred to its ability to meet the farmer needs in providing the new technology which suits to their conditions and results in better production. Recently the demand for information on agricultural practices and technology among the farmers is increasing day by day but fulfilment of these demands exclusively by public agricultural extension system is limited. To address this challenge, information communication technology (ICT) has the immense role in supplementing the extension system. Among the ICT tools, mobile phone, because of its affordability, accessibility, minimum skill requirement, widespread network etc., has emerged as important tool for information and knowledge dissemination to the smallholder and marginal farmers. But it is necessary to study how effective they are in achieving the respective objectives.The present investigation was conducted to study the effectiveness of mKRISHI® PAWS (Personalised Advisory on Water and Soil) in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. An ex-post facto research design was used for this study. Total 136 messages were sent to the respondents. The data was collected from 240 beneficiary farmers of the north-western Himalayan region. The effectiveness of the mKRISHI® PAWS in technology advisory and delivery services were measured by developing an effectiveness index for the purpose. Results showed that 93.8% of farmers perceive that quality of information regarding the latest NRM technologies in soil and water conservation was excellent and 83.75% of the farmers felt that the information regarding the latest NRM technologies in soil and water conservation was appropriate to their condition. The study revealed that the extension services delivered by mKRISHI® PAWS were found to be highly effective by majority of the farmers. 34.58% farmers perceived that the mKRISHI® PAWS was very highly effective as a mean of getting their information needs.

ICT and Digital Literacy Skills: a Mechanism for Efficient Teaching in Nigerian Colleges of Education

This study examines information communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy skills as mechanism for effective teaching in Nigerian colleges of education. The total population for this study comprises of 1,500 lecturers in four colleges of education in South West Nigeria. 10% was drawn from the total population using a random sampling technique giving a total 150 which form the sample size for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Findings from this study revealed among others that that ICT and digital literacy skills when applied will to a very large extent be a tool for efficient teaching aid for lecturers in colleges of education in Nigeria, that computers, printers, photocopiers, projectors, interactive white board/electronic notice board, internet facility and CD Rom will to a very large extent serve as ICT tools that can be used for effective teaching. This study also revealed that most of the lecturers in colleges of education in Nigeria are not proficient in the use of power-point, excel and spreadsheet, cannot apply computers to solve real life academic problems etc. Recommendations were put forward to enhance the use of ICT for efficient teaching in Nigerian colleges of education.Keywords: ICT, Digital Literacy, Digital Literacy Skills, Teaching, Learning

Designing Interactive Systems to Mediate Communication Between Formal and Informal Caregivers in Aged Care

Previous work has focused on designing and evaluating information communication technology (ICT) tools for improving the coordination, organization of care practices, and to a less extent, the mediation of care communication among various involved actors. Our work contributes to addressing this gap with a specific emphasis on aged care, exploring communication practices, related challenges and design principles that should guide the design of technology-mediated information sharing. We do this by conducting three sets of user studies iterating on design mockups of increasing fidelity, through semi-structured interviews and workshops with nursing home (NH) staff and residents' family members in four Italian nursing homes. The qualitative and quantitative results point to the potential of computer-mediated information sharing in this context, and to the importance (and challenges) of tailoring information and presentation to people's needs and traits, and assisting care professionals in managing the information flow and proper communication.

The use and benefits of information communication technology by Polish small and medium sized enterprises

Despite the significant contribution that information communication technology (ICT) has made to business, prior studies indicated that there is a large number of unsuccessful ICT implementations in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, literature also indicated that SMEs’ utilization of ICT tools is reported to be low worldwide, while that is also the case with Polish SMEs. This paper was aim to identify the ICT tools used by Polish SMEs, the areas in which they are used, and the benefits companies perceive from such use. Findings of this research study with 153 Polish SMEs suggest that the most popular ICT tool is email, used by 88% of surveyed entities. Emails contain knowledge and information that is not codified in any knowledge repository. The main area of enterprise where employees use new technologies is marketing, as confirmed by 44% of the surveyed entities. About 59% of the companies surveyed recognize that the use of new technologies brings benefits, which translate into an increase in the company's profits. To stimulate the development of SMEs Polish companies, this study found that it is important to support the development of modern ICT tools for economic growth.

Integrating computer-related technology into instructional practice at a higher learning institution in Malaysia

Malaysian Higher Learning institutions have embraced the 21st century skills in teaching and learning to ensure career readiness among learners. Information Communication Technology tools provide the opportunity for educators to address problem-solving and project-based learning in both face-to-face and blended learning. However, there have been issues of educators’ awareness and skills in utilizing the technology tools in the instructional processes. This study attempts to explore the experience and awareness among lecturers to integrate computer-related technologies in undergraduate classrooms. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with two lecturers who are experts in foreign language and one from Instructional Technology field. In-depth semi structured interviews and observations became the main qualitative instruments for this study. The purpose of the study sought to reveal the pedagogical approach and types of Information technology adopted in the classrooms. This study addressed their awareness and issues related to the use of technology in the classroom. The results were thematized based on Web 2.0 tools integration, pedagogical approach in addressing higher order thinking skills and student career readiness. Lecturers were found to be aware of the relevance of Web 2.0 tools for instructional purposes. However, they highlighted low internet speed as the main challenge in their efforts to integrate technology into their instructional activities. This research contributes to the area of TPACK (Technology Pedagogical Content Knowledge) by highlighting the application of computer-related technologies into classroom instruction and how such technologies are matched with learner-centered instructional strategies to enhance learners’ 21st century skills that are essential for career readiness.

The use of ICT tools to support collaborative product development activities: evidences from Brazilian industry

Abstract Paper aims This paper aims to understand the relationship between Information & Communication Technology (ICT), collaborative New Product Development (NPD) and customer satisfaction (NPD performance). Originality We target the relationship between ICT, collaborative NPD and NPD performance. ICT is assessed as a set of specific tools adopted by the companies. Research method We test the mediating role of collaborative practices in the effect of ICT tools on customer satisfaction (as NPD performance) by means of a survey of 105 Brazilian firms. Main findings Collaboration with customers and suppliers has an important role for customer satisfaction and the use of ICT has significant effect on NPD performance through the mediating role of collaborative practices. Implications for theory and practice Implementing only ICT tools is not enough to achieve higher level of success in NPD. Managers should first strength the relationship between stakeholders and then adopt ICT tools to support the cooperation.

Lifestyle intervention using Internet of Things (IoT) for the elderly: A study protocol for a randomized control trial (the BEST-LIFE study).

ABSTRACTModification of lifestyle habits, including diet and physical activity, is essential for the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in elderly patients. However, individualized treatment is more critical for the elderly than for general patients. This study aimed to determine lifestyle interventions that resulted in lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in Japanese pre- and early diabetic elderly subjects. The BEST-LIFE trial is an ongoing, open-label, 6-month, randomized (1:1) parallel group trial. Subjects with HbA1c of ≥5.6%—randomly assigned to the intervention or control group —use wearable monitoring devices loaded with Internet of things (IoT) systems that aids them with self-management and obtaining monthly remote health guidance from a public health nurse. The primary outcome is changes in HbA1c after a 6-month intervention relative to the baseline values. The secondary outcome is the change of behavior modification stages. The background, rationale, and study design of this trial are also presented. One hundred forty-five subjects have already been enrolled in this lifestyle intervention program, which will end in 2019. The BEST-LIFE trial will provide new evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of our program on lowering HbA1c in elderly subjects with T2DM. It will also investigate whether information communication technology tools and monitoring devices loaded with IoT can support health care in elderly subjects. The trial registration number is UMIN-CTR: UMIN 000023356.

Factors affecting digital divide in ict-led agricultural information delivery: A comparative analysis

The Information Communication Technologies (ICT) can be efficient tools to supplement public extension system in delivering timely, relevant, specific information at low cost but, past attempts of ICT led delivery mechanisms were very selectively successful and only a few farmers got advantage out of them. The present study aimed at finding out the reasons those hindered the adoption of ICT tools and technologies as agricultural information delivering media. The gap which is created due to differences in digital opportunities like access to ICT tools, digital literacy and the benefit gained by using those can be termed as digital divide. The study was conducted in Nashik (teledensity=98.98) and Varanasi (teledensity=68.60) districts of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, respectively so that the indicators of digital divide among digitally well performing and not well performing district could be found out from which a projection could be made for other places with similar digital climate. From analysis, it was found out that the factors like gender (t=-2.766**), social participation (t=0.840**), awareness (t=4.041**), affordability (t=3.512**) and economic motivation (t=2.042*) were significant for farmers of Nashik districts where income (t=2.003*), affordability (t= 4.142**) and age (t=2.533**) were significant for farmers of Varanasi district. The study can throw some light on regional, farm and micro level characteristics affecting the digital divide so that it may be helpful for researchers, policy makers and academicians to design suitable policies fitting to digital climate of a particular location.

Managing customary land conflicts and demarcations using mobile applications tools: a case study of Zambia

Zambia has witnessed domestic and international customary land boundary conflicts due to improper land demarcation mechanism and partial documentation of customary land parcels. In this study we recommend utilisation and integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools such as the Participatory Geographical Information System (PGIS) and the mobile application to be used in the implementation of the customary land management system. This will enable families and community groups to properly demarcate customary land boundaries thereby reducing land conflicts and providing security of tenure for customary land.

Managing customary land conflicts and demarcations using mobile applications tools: a case study of Zambia

Zambia has witnessed domestic and international customary land boundary conflicts due to improper land demarcation mechanism and partial documentation of customary land parcels. In this study we recommend utilisation and integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools such as the Participatory Geographical Information System (PGIS) and the mobile application to be used in the implementation of the customary land management system. This will enable families and community groups to properly demarcate customary land boundaries thereby reducing land conflicts and providing security of tenure for customary land.

Influence of Information Literacy Skills on Postgraduate Students’ Use of Electronic Resources in Private University Libraries in South-West, Nigeria

The introduction of new technologies has had a significant influence on teaching, learning and research activities in universities. This has offered university libraries opportunities to provide information resources in a variety of formats. This study investigated the influence of information literacy skills on postgraduate students’ use of electronic resources in private university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. The study population comprised 2805 postgraduate students in five private universities offering postgraduate programmes in South-West, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection process. A purposive selection of four faculties from each of the five universities was carried out. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 550 postgraduate students as the respondents for the study. Findings revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between information literacy skills and use of electronic resources (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the utilization of electronic resources promoted access to current information among postgraduate students in the selected private universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that the management of private university libraries should ensure a continuous provision of electronic resources with adequate information communication technology tools to facilitate their use.

Model IBT 3D tehnologije u sistemu dualnog obrazovanja

Multimedia tools and materials for learning have to support the programme and professional learning, i.e. they must be based on digital systems which provide simulations, problem analysis, and process analysis, along with using modern tools and technologies. By means of an integrated approach to teaching, modern-day use of computers and information-communication technologies (ICT) in education enables an overall analysis of natural and social phenomena and events. The paper describes the advantages of using modern ICT tools and applicative software in dual education on the example of the application of the integrative white-board (IWB) in the classroom. The flaws in the demonstration and simulation of ambience, environment, audio-visual experiences and multisensory interactions have been overcome owing to the development of the interactive white-board in 3D technology. The paper provides a description of a new conceptual model of using IWB in 3D technology in the classroom, i.e. the effects of its application from the perspective of dual and vocational system of education. The development of the 3D IWB technology provided a new quality of detailed graphic images, enabled an integration of and interaction with the available knowledge data bases, relevant theories and tutoring systems. The application of the 3D IWB technology turns the educational environment into a surround system, it activates simultaneously, and with a greater intensity, all senses, and directly stimulates cognitive processes, the development of various skills and muscle memory.

SMART CITIES AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION: DEVELOPING A SMARTHERITAGE AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

This paper discusses the potential of current advancements in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for cultural heritage preservation, valorization and management within contemporary cities. The paper highlights the potential of virtual environments to assess the impacts of heritage policies on urban development. It does so by discussing the implications of virtual globes and crowdsourcing to support the participatory valuation and management of cultural heritage assets. To this purpose, a review of available valuation techniques is here presented together with a discussion on how these techniques might be coupled with ICT tools to promote inclusive governance.

Impact of ICT on agricultural extension services delivery: evidence from the Catholic Relief Services SMART skills and Farmbook project in Kenya

ABSTRACTPurpose: The study was carried out to assess the impact of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Skills for Marketing and Rural Transformation (SMART) skills and Farmbook information communication technology (ICT) on agricultural extension service delivery by front-line extension officers in two counties in Kenya. The second objective was to assess the effect of socioeconomic factors on the use of this technology and its impact on extension service delivery as well as to assess the challenges faced by extension officers adopting this technology in Kenya.Design/methodology/approach: Randomized survey data were collected through structured questionnaires in May 2013, March 2015, and November 2015 from 60 participants. STATA was used for descriptive and multivariate analysis.Findings: Extension officers using the CRS SMART skills and Farmbook technology worked with significantly higher numbers of farmer groups than officers in the control group. Socioeconomic factors like gender, age, and education had an impact on the use of the technology and on extension service delivery. Absent farm records, low farmer literacy, software malfunction, and insufficient technical support were listed as some challenges faced in using the technology.Practical implications: There is a need for government investment to improve extension service delivery with supplementary ICTs.Theoretical implications: This study sheds more light on the important role of ICTs in agricultural extension service delivery, particularly extension officers’ experiences with ICTs.Originality/Value: Farmbook is a novel ICT tool for agricultural extension developed by CRS and was field tested in East Africa in collaboration with University of Illinois’ Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services (MEAS) program. This technology has great potential in improving extension delivery.

Issues in E-Research: Log In/Out Virtual Fields

Evolution of technology and its tremendous use in education has changed the ways of educational services in higher education around the world. There is worldwide access to higher education through virtual learning environments. This is a new avenue for 21st century education and within a short time, it has been able to establish new culture of learning i.e. e-learning or online learning. As a result, e-learning has been the greater field for educational research. In this context, this paper focuses on methodological issues of the Internet mediated research (e-Research) with particular focus on virtual fields. Paper explores and discusses on possible sources of data, methods of data collection, process of analysis and ethical issues to adopt research with virtual fields. In doing so, the purpose is to reveal answer to the question: how do e-Researchers deal with methodological issues related to collecting data, determining data sources, data analysis/interpretation, and ethical considerations? Paper presents examples from the Internet mediated empirical studies. Conclusion of the paper is that e-field or cyberspace is an avenue for modern researchers. Researchers are supported with various Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools for field access, data collection, analysis and interpretation. However, they need to pay full attention to deal with major issues such as locating and gaining access to virtual/Internet-mediated fields, selecting e-participants and working with them, and using varieties of ICT tools for data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Using ICT for social good: Cultural identity restoration through emancipatory pedagogy

AbstractThis research examines how an oppressed group, the Klamath Tribes of Oregon, used an information communication technology (ICT) for the human development objective of cultural identity restoration, one component of emancipation. Within this manuscript is depicted a process model of how ICT tools can be used for human development through emancipatory pedagogy, ie, the communication of knowledge in a way that promotes critical reflection and collective action. Combining interpretive and critical methods, I describe how the Klamath's ICT reflected the emancipatory journey of those creating it and empowered the Klamath to lead ICT users toward emancipation. An interpretive approach revealed that ICT framing tools promoted awareness of the Klamath, awareness of the problem the Klamath sought to address, and awareness of societal systems of power that enforced the Klamath's problem, while ICT tactic tools enabled “the aware” to engage in solutions. Notably, the Klamath shirked prevailing practices in ICT for development. Consistent with my critical approach, I use the Klamath case to suggest normative recommendations for the use of ICT for social good.

Influence of Information Communication Technology Tools on Quality of Teaching in Selected Tertiary Institutions In Osun and Ogun States, Nigeria

Influence of Information Communication Technology Tools on Quality of Teaching in Selected Tertiary Institutions In Osun and Ogun States, Nigeria

ICT Integration in Academic Writing: An Experiment in Blended Learning

The success of blending internet technology in language teaching depends on the content and role of the materials used and how they interact with students in their language learning process. The present generation of students, who are called digital natives or net generation (Educase.edu, 2016) finds anything to do with the internet attractive. The present paper proves that such interests of students can be fruitfully tapped for a variety of language learning purposes. It also proves that the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools in English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching ensures higher degree of learner motivation and participation. This experimental study was conducted with a class of 26 Omani post-foundation Engineering & IT specialization students at English Language Center, Nizwa College of Technology for a period of one semester of their Higher Diploma Course with the basic premise that blending technology in language teaching will be beneficial both for teachers and students. In the first part of the paper the theory and practice of blended learning are discussed. The subsequent parts explore how ICT tools like Quizlet Quiz, WebQuest and Blog can be blended in teaching academic writing. The paper also discusses in detail the perceived teacher and learner experiences. It proves that by using internet technology, teachers can avoid monotony in teaching and promote collaborative learning. On the strengths of its findings, the author recommends selective blending of technology in EFL teaching to enhance student’s performance in interesting, stimulating and productive ways.